Note: Earliest inhabitants of region were San Bushmen; Sotho people immigrated ca. 1600; occupied by British in late 19th century; originally divided into British Bechuanaland and the Bechuanaland Protectorate (North of Molopo river). British Bechuanaland was annexed into the Cape Colony, and the Bechuanaland Protectorate became the independent republic of Botswana; official language is English, but national language is Tswana. Area in N South Africa.